§ Mr. Rileyasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that the import of shoes into Jamaica fell from 133,000 dozen pairs to 43,000 dozen pairs in 1942, and that, as a consequence, a considerable number of poor citizens are unable to obtain shoes; and whether he will take steps to facilitate the import of cheap shoes into Jamaica from South American countries where supplies are available?
§ Mr. Emrys-EvansMy right hon. and gallant Friend can confirm the import figures quoted by the hon. Member, but information received this week from the Governor shows that, while present stocks are low, immediate supplies should be sufficient to meet the Colony's essential requirements. Orders on the Colonial Government's account have been outstanding for some time in Canada and the United States, and it is hoped that negotiations now in progress will result in expediting further supplies.